Ok, straight to the point. As a runner, how many types of runners have you encountered? Also, which type(s) of runner are you?
Hm…… you can’t list them down right now, right?
Ok, why not try to recall the moment when you’re running? You start to see various runners, and they act differently.
Well, you start to list down your own version of types of runners. You like some of them, but not all.
Likewise, you are “some runners” from their viewpoint. Are you curious to know what types of runner you are? – Yeah, not one, but might be more than that.
Today, let’s look at 13 common types of runners that you might come across when running. See whether the list resonates with you.
1. The Pros
You can tell by looking at their OUTFIT.
These runners literally have the BEST running outfit. Their clothes / running jackets and running shoes are branded and top-notch.
Sometimes, they like to wear sunglasses when running. This makes you wonder why as you don’t think it is a sunny day. In fact, they wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. – Don’t they feel annoyed as this blocks the view?
They have their running partner, ie. a smart watch. Yeah, they can run without anyone, but a smart watch.
To us, it seems like they know everything about running. – Somebody who we can trust on when it comes to running.
Plus, they show us proper warm up and drills before running. Well, they truly know what they are doing……
They truly depict what a pro runner should look like. So, you won’t be wrong by mimicking the way they wear.
Well, this doesn’t mean all of them are REAL pros, though. Some beginners might feign themselves to dress like experienced runners. – Of course, to grab attention.
2. The Analyzers
Despite the name that I call them, they are the REAL pros. – Inside out.
As the name suggests, they tend to analyze every piece of data that helps them improve their running efficiency and break their PERSONAL BEST.
Because of that, a smart watch / smart phone with running app is their running partner. – Just like the pros.
However, they might be low-key and dress like every runner.
Nonetheless, they tend to take initiative to SELF-LEARN about running to improve their running performance.
Don’t be surprised where they can share everything that is related to running. Literally, they are a walking running bible.
So, if you want to know the TECHNICAL running skills and NUTRIENTS for running, they are the best fit.
3. The Whatever-ers
They are the total opposite of the pros and the analyzers.
Talk about the proper outfit for running? – “Well, who cares?”
Some of them wear singlet or cotton T-shirt when running. And some of them don’t bother to have a pair of running shoes. Instead, they might just wear slippers for running.
Don’t think they aren’t aware of proper running gear. But, they CHOOSE not to wear like that. – Maybe they think it’s useless?
We are eager to look for tips on running skills to improve our run. Meanwhile, they are the ones who seem don’t bother at all.
Despite that, don’t assume they are ignorant or clueless. They might be competent runners. They could run much better than the rest.
4. The Naggers
Amongst various types of runners, this type is the most relatable to us. Some of our friends belong to this type.
You take forever to beg them to run with you. But they despise running so much.
Somehow, they feel like they should give it a try and agree to run with you. Well, that’s a great achievement, which is even greater than achieving your personal best.
However, they aren’t ready mentally, yet. They still think running is just like walking.
But, once they start running, they hate the feeling of heart pumping, catching for breath, and sweating. – And they feel like they’re suffocating.
Even just a brief jog, maybe 2 minutes, they start to complain. You can hear something like this. “running is dump” “I should stay at home” “why am I so stupid to come and suffer?”
Well, heart pumping, catching for breath, and sweating are so common in running. But, they exaggerate. They spread negative energy, which makes you feel sorry for begging them to run with you.
However, it doesn’t mean they mean these. In fact, they tend to push themselves to run despite the discomfort.
After finishing the run, don’t be surprised that they feel way more excited than you. – You can see the smile on their face.
Don’t assume the naggers are beginners. Sometimes, regular runners might nag when running, too. – But, that’s ok. It’s not a big deal.
After all, they just need verbal motivation.
5. The Deniers
The deniers always wish to run like pro runners. Meanwhile, they don’t have strong stamina and proper running skills yet.
Well, they are determined to run really hard and fast to mimic the way the experienced runners run. And because of lacking of stamina and running skills, they breathe really hard and fast.
As they run out of their competence, they risk of having blackouts or nauseas. Sometimes, their faces turn white, which shock other runners.
And we ask whether they are ok and suggest taking a rest. Ironically, they say they are great and don’t need a rest. They assure that running is not hard at all.
Perhaps they don’t want to appear as weak. So, they feign themselves to be tough runners.
Because of that, the deniers always have tough sprit like the analyzers. They are willing to learn proper running skills and improve their running performance.
With proper training, they can become the analyzers.
6. The Refusers
Based on the meaning of the word, this seems similar to the deniers. But, it’s not at all.
The refusers don’t run as hard as the deniers, especially until the edge of blackout or vomiting.
In fact, they take their own time to the max. They run at their own pace and they won’t compete with other runners. – So, whoever overtakes them, they seem not bothered at all.
They truly enjoy their “me time”. But, they have a weak spot.
They refuse evaluating their own performance. They “hate” the idea of analyzing the speed, cadence, force, etc. – The opposite of the analyzers.
So, you won’t find them wearing smart watch at all. Even when they run with their phone, they don’t have running app in the phone.
Why do they refuse to assess their performance? Well, maybe they don’t care.
But, some of them do care about their performance. But, they are too comfortable staying in their own bubble.
While checking the results, this might burst their bubble. And this breaks their heart. Why? They are upset by their own results.
Ah, so they don’t “hate” assessing, but are “SCARED” of assessing their running performance.
There’s a funny thing. Once they break their bubble, they might be obsessed with analyzing data and eager to improve. – That’s because nothing can upset them anymore.
Well, breaking the bubble is just a matter of time!
7. The Fakers
So, you might come accross some people where they claim they don’t study or prepare for exams. In the end, they pass with flying colours. – You can’t help but roll your eyes.
Same goes to running. Some runners claim they hurt their legs or don’t prepare for the run, etc. So, they want us to expect them to run slowly, don’t they?
It turns out they usually run much faster than us. And they don’t seem having any injuries!
And what do they tell us earlier? – Utterly nonsense and excuse.
Maybe they pretend to be innocent and yet they might prepare like mad. Sue me for being ignorant, jealous, or whatnot. LOLS.
Or, you might have a chat with some runners. They claimed their running results were terrible. They told you they ran 3 hours for 42 km, for instance.
WTF? 3 hours for 42 km is superb! Meanwhile, you wish you could finish 42 km in 6 hours. And running 3 hours for 42 km is your dream! – Literally, their word slaps your face.
Or, are they craving for our praise to tell them how awesome they are?
8. The Loners
To me, running is a mind-your-own-business exercise.
The loners love running ALONE. Even when group running, they tend to avoid interaction as much as possible.
Usually, they run at their own pace, with no intention to compete with others.
And since they enjoy solitude, some of them prefer running with headphone, so they are soaked with their favourite music.
Likewise, they don’t like to be disturbed. Chatting with them non-stop is a big No-No.
Whenever you try to chat with them and they don’t seem to reply you, then you know you should leave them alone.
Are they rude? I don’t think so. I believe they take running seriously and really want to focus on running.
9. The Chatters
They are the total opposite of the loners.
The chatter loves talking. They can’t stop talking, even when running.
If they run alone, they might feel very lonely and dry. So, they need to find someone to run with them. – In fact, they wanna chat with you when running.
Well, pair them with the loners might be disastrous. They might have quarrels because of that.
But, when two chatters run together, it’s sublime. Literally, they can talk about any topic non-stop, without a sign of exhaustion.
Sometimes, even the chatters themselves find this a bit annoying. They still need some personal space to run and train.
Well, getting to know the boundary is the key.
10. The Medal Collectors
Amongst these types of runners, I find the medal collectors truly inspiring.
They are frequent contestants of long-distance races and marathons. They love running. Running is their life.
Usually, runners aim to finish a few marathons, then they retire. They just want to experience once or twice, and that’s it. – That’s because running marathon is dreadful.
But, the medal collectors are the opposite. In fact, they view running marathons or long-distance races as “hobby”. – After finishing the races, they receive finisher medals.
So, their hobby is to collect finisher medals. Meanwhile, other people collect stamps as their hobby.
How do you feel when you see countless finisher medals hanging on the wall? Each and every medal reminds you of your achievement.
Each medal tells a story how great you are to overcome challenge.
So you know why this is so inspiring, don’t you?
And because of this, they love sharing their story to inspire others to try or do the same. So, they could radiate the positive energy to other runners.
11. The Topless Runners
You know who they are, don’t you?
Regardless of weather, the topless runners love running topless.
Alright, we get that they sweat a lot especially running on hot days. And they hate the sensation of sweaty running shirt.
But, you might see them topless while running cold weather. It doesn’t make sense, right?
Well, are they trying to show off their great body and their effort to run? Hmm……
This could be common for guys. But, ladies can be topless runners, too. Some ladies run with sports bra.
Usually, it is perfectly fine to run topless. And I don’t have any discomfort seeing runners running topless.
FYI, different countries have different cultures. And running topless might be inappropriate.
12. The Kiasu-ers
Odd word. What does this mean?
KIASU is a Hokkien word, a type of Chinese dialect. It means “fear of losing” or “fear of missing out” (FOMO).
Now, this is an infamous slang in Singapore and Malaysia. And it has negative tone in it.
So, the Kiasu-ers are the runners who have “fear of losing” or FOMO.
They are just like ordinary runners. They run at their own pace, and you can’t spot them easily.
But, you instantly notice when runners surpass them. This triggers their “kiasu-ness”.
What would they do? They re-overtake the runners. Even if this upsets their rhythm, pace, or breath, they couldn’t care less.
But, they pretend to overtake them with ease. This seems very peaceful from the outside, but their mind is agitating……
And don’t try to give them running advice, unless they ask for advice. They might feel offended. Although other runners might feel the same, the kiasu-ers might react stronger or more aggressive.
13. The Social Media Grabbers
Despite the types of runners above, this could be ANY runners.
It doesn’t matter if we are beginners or experienced runners, we like attention. – Well, who doesn’t like that?
So, these runners like to grab attention on social media. Here comes the name.
Before running, they try to tell the world the excitement of running. They want to spread positive vibes to their followers.
And after the run, some like to post their running results and their personal best on the social media.
Usually, I find this motivating as this encourages me to improve. I really wish to run and achieve their results someday.
And I believe they do a great job in promoting running. That’s why running is awesome!
Sometimes, it could be too much. Some runners run daily. And they literally update their running status every SINGLE day. – It could be a bit spammy, though.
Final thought: types of runners
Do these types of runners match with your list?
You notice these 13 types of runners consist of both good and not-so-good characters. But, it doesn’t mean not-so-good runners are bad or ignorant. They can be friendly and nice.
So, don’t take this post too seriously. Treat this as a fun post and laugh about it.
Besides, you could belong to a few types of runners. FYI, I am a denier, loner, and a bit kiasu-er. And I feel totally fine!
So, what about you? Which type(s) of runner are you?
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